Lifestyles

McHendry: Hanukkah starts on Saturday

George McHendry, Enterprise columnist

Posted:
12/06/2012 01:00:00 AM MST

For many who are not familiar with the Jewish calendar, Hanukkah can be confusing. It is by far the most popular holiday on the Jewish calendar, and the eight-day "Feast of Lights" comes right about the same time as the Christian celebration of Christmas.

This year, Hanukkah begins Saturday and ends Dec. 15. It is celebrated on the 25th day of Kislev, which is the third month of the Jewish calendar. Many times, Hanukkah overlaps Christmas, adding to the confusion. The word Hanukkah means "dedication," and commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC, following a victorious rebellion by the Jewish people against their oppressors. It also represents the light of hope in the winter darkness. Today, Jews all over the world celebrate the tradition as a time of joy and peace.

Hanukkah traditions

As I said, the Hanukkah holiday lasts eight days, during which eight candles are lit, beginning with one on the first night, two on the second night, three on the third night, and so on. The candleholder is known as the menorah, and it takes many forms from one culture to another. Originally, the menorah had seven candles to reflect the seven days of God's creation of the world, plus the day of rest. The eighth candle was used to light the other seven. Now, the menorah used by Jewish families has eight candles, with a center candle for lighting the others throughout the eight days of the holiday.

An additional item to celebrate Hanukkah is the dreidel. The dreidel is a four-sided children's spinning top. The history of the dreidel goes back to an era when it was used to deceive the guards who spied on the Jews to keep them from worshipping the true god. When soldiers came to check on them, the Jews spun the dreidel as though gambling, when in actuality, each of the four sides held a Hebrew letter with special meaning. Today, Jewish children play a game with the spinning dreidel to win candy or other items in a "pot."

Hanukkah often coincides closely with the Christian holiday of Christmas, and because of that some Jewish parents present wrapped gifts to their children and other family members. It was not unusual in a Jewish household to receive a wrapped gift during each of the eight days of Hanukkah. The first day the gift might be foil wrapped chocolate coins, and each day of the holiday would bring a bigger gift. Typically, during the period children would receive games, books, and clothing, similar to what Christian children would receive at Christmas.

Other items of interest

Foods fried in oil are popular during this period, because it recalls the oil that was used in the temple rededication. The traditional favorite are potato pancakes, or latkes. They are generally served with applesauce or sour cream. Another popular item is a doughnut without a hole, known as a "sufganiyah." Sufganiyot are filled with jelly or custard, and are sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon. In Israel, they are sold by street vendors in the weeks leading up to Hanukkah.

Hanukkah gift wrap can be made by drawing images of a menorah, a dreidel or a Star of David in rows or patterns on background paper. Window or doorway decorations can be hung in the home and are often silver or gold on a blue ornament. If you are giving a Hanukkah gift, two items that are popular are a box of chocolates or a tin of butter cookies.

Locally, there are a number of activities to celebrate the season of Hanukkah presented by Chabad of NW Metro Denver, which is 4505 W. 112th Ave. in Westminster. For more information on these and other activities involving the Jewish faith, you can call Chabad at 303-429-5177 or email milehighchabad@aol.com.

At 3:30 p.m. Sunday Chabad will hold a menorah lighting and concert titled "Turning Darkness into Light." The event is dedicated to 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway, who was abducted and killed in October. The event will be at the Orchard Town Center, at the corner of 144th Avenue and Interstate 25.

A Family Dinner Party will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Boondocks Fun Center, 11425 Community Drive in Northglenn.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 15 there will be menorah lighting with singer Steve Brodsky in Olde Town Arvada.

I learned much about this holiday at lifescript.com, which provided me with much of the information I shared with you. There are numerous Websites that can provide additional information, as can our friends at Chabad of NW Metro Denver.

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